Spending all day tomorrow with hubby.

[michelleric]

Well, I am nervous.  Don't really know why. My hubby has not been involved really in any MS "things" since I was DX.  Been an issue with me, and I know there are lots of feelings regarding our life since MS struck.  He is involved on the "financial" things of it, planning, long term care, etc.  We have never spoken about what is going on.

It has been a battle, and really, I have felt on my own in dealing with the decline of mobility and the changing of our life/family.

I have asked him to attend doc appts, ms meetings in the past.  He has never has come.  Well, he said yes to the meeting below, which I have copy/paste below. It is sponsored by the MS society, which I have found to have great programs available to us.

Tomorrow is the BIG day, and I am really nervous.  I dont even know why, except I think it is going to bring up lots of topics that have been "avoided" in our house.

So, just wanted to share.  It is good news to me. I am feeling optimistic and scared.   Just thought I would share...

Michelle



8 Hours to a Lifetime of Relationship Satisfaction Workshop


This is a group based program for couples living with MS.  The workshop allows couples to discuss challenges MS puts in their relationship, work on communication skills and learn how to proactively manager their relationship.  The workshop is designed to have couples work together on their relationship.  The program is a combination of lecture and slides, small group activities as well as a split group session so each partner can work with his/her peers.

Couples can be married, cohabitating or dating.  Both partners must attend in order to participate.  Cost is $20 per couples.  A limited number of fee waivers are available for those needing financial assistance.  Cost covers program materials, drinks and food.

Registration and a continental breakfast start at 8:00 a.m.  The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and will finish at 5:00 p.m.  Registration is limited to 15 couples.  Registration deadline is February 25.



Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

[michelleric]

Thanks all!

[sllowe]

Wishing you more times like these.

I'm going to look to see if there is something similar in my area. What a great program for couples.

Thanks, Michelle for sharing this and I hope it's up from here on out.
-Shell

[candy158]

Good luck, and gret news.  I do hope that this will help.  Communication is so very important, but so many of our human race figure, that is doesn`t exist if we don`t talk about it.  But, we know, living with this, that sometimes all we can do it talk, and all we want to do is talk.................so, I do pray that this is a positive moments in your many more moments to come.

*HUGS*
Candy

[Lulu54]

@GG - check with your local NMSS office- they offer this seminar all over the country.    

Michelle, this all sounds promising.  Let's hope it ":sticks"  :-)

hugs, L

[essdipity]

That sounds just wonderful. I'm so happy for you, and especially for the part about your boys cooking dinner. They have a great mom who teaches them to think of others.

I'll be very interested to hear how your husband reacts to all this MS info, and whether he wants to talk about it. It may take time, of course. And another 'of course,' actions speak louder than words.

My best to you,

ess

[michelleric]

Thanks for asking about the workshop.  It went really really well. Was also a really LONG day, but extremely worth it.  There was about 10 couples there, and the moderator was a psychologist with a specialty of couples therapy particularly when one partner has MS.  Lu, she is from Columbus, by the way.

We all got workbooks, and lots of communicating.  We were broken into pairs, groups, etc. SO much good information, and was a great learning experience for Eric and I. I could never retell all what was spoken about, WAY too much info.

Was also great to meet people who are all different, but are so alike as well.  Everyone is facing similar challenges...and it felt nice to be "normal".  Most of us exchanged numbers and hopefully we can get together for a couples dinner night some time.  That would be great.  

I was the newest DX, will be 2 years next month.  Most were DX between 6-20 years ago.

One of the best parts, was coming home to dinner!  The boys surprised us with meal (pasta with broccoli), fruit salad, and brownies for dessert!)  The table was set with a candle and it was beautiful to see them all working together for us.  Ahhh, did my heart good. That had never happened before. very monumental for me.

So, all in all, a great exhausting day.

Thanks for asking,

Michelle

Also there is another relationship weekend course in May.  I think it would be too much to get away for that long, but sure is tempting.  This is the info on that. (In case anyone wants to come to OH to a beautiful area!)

Saturday, May 14, 2011 - Sunday, May 15, 2011

Address:
Mohican Lodge and Conference Center
1098 Ashland County Rd. #3006
Perrysville, OH 44864
United States




8 Hours to a Lifetime of Relationship Satisfaction Retreat


This is a group based program for couples living with MS.  The retreat allows couples to discuss challenges MS puts in their relationship, work on communication skills and learn how to proactively manager their relationship.  The retreat is designed to have couples work together on their relationship.  The program is a combination of lecture and slides, small group activities as well as a split group session so each partner can work with his/her peers.

Couples can be married, cohabitating or dating.  Both partners must attend in order to partcipate.  Cost is $50 per couples.  A limited number of fee waivers are available for those needing financial assistance.  Cost covers program materials, food and overnight accommodations.

The retreat is set in the Mohican area so couples can get away from the everyday world and enjoy the beauty of spring in the countryside.

Registration and a lunch start at 11:30 a.m.  The program begins at noon and will finish at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Registration is limited to 15 couples.  Registration deadline is March 31.

For more information, please contact us at 1-800-344-4867.

[Guitar_grrrl]

Thanks for the thread, Michelle!  I'd love to find one of these in my area.  Hope your day went well.

Cheers,
Lisa

[essdipity]

Yes, I too am looking forward to hearing about this experience.

Hope it was a good one.

Hugs,
ess

[rendean]

Hi Michelle,

I hope things went well at the workshop! I am out of town. I will call you when I return! Sending good thoughts, vibes and hugs!

Ren

[addicted2harleys]

Well, Michelle, today is the day.  You are at this workshop as I am writing this.  I hope this day proves to be very informative for your hubby and that it helps knock down the communication barrier that is currently affecting both of you.  

I sure hope everything goes really well for you two.  I will be waiting to see how your day went...

Hugs,
Addi

[Lulu54]

Michelle, I think the hardest part of the day is going to be starting so frickin' early... 8 am on a Saturday?  LOL

This should open some doors for the two of you -- the facilitators are experts at handling all types of relationship woes.  I'm so happy that he said yes to this program.  

hugs to you, Lulu

[michelleric]

Thanks Bob and Johnnie...I know I shouldn't think ahead, never serves me well!  At least it will be a date without the kids! Dont get to have those too often...

[johnniebear]

I wish the best for you...

There is no one fits all guide for friends, family or partners..   Just like our MS affects each of us...



Johnniebear

[COBOB]

I;d try not to project good or bad on your day together.  Just see how it plays out.  I'll  bet he is a bit like my partner and may be searching the web trying to educate himself.  Once my partner had enough information, he began to ask questions (sometimes, insightful ones I didn't want asked,) but communications opened up.  It takes time.

Bob